The free seminar will teach residents how to obtain medical cannabis cards from state

3C Compassionate Care Center, a medical marijuana dispensary with locations in Joliet and Naperville, is hosting a free new patient seminar at 6 p.m. Monday at the American Legion Post 1080, 2625 Ingalls Ave., Joliet.

The event is for individuals in the area interested in learning how to acquire medical marijuana cards from the state of Illinois, said Kimberly Childs, a patient and outreach consultant for the dispensary.

Childs will discuss the application process and who qualifies for medical marijuana cards.

She also will host a question-and-answer session after the event. She said she expects about 20 people to come.

“I hope people come out because I want to see as many people learn about this option as possible,” Childs said. “It may be for them, or it may not be for them, but it’s important that they come to find out.”

She said people who qualify to register for medical marijuana cards typically have a debilitating illness, as defined by the state. Some of these conditions include cancer, lupus, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

“The first thing is they have to be certified by their physician, and certification just means that the doctor has to complete a form that says they’re eligible to apply for a medical marijuana card,” Childs said. “But people are allowed to petition the state if they have something that’s not on the list.”

She said the event allows people to weigh their options and find relief.

“It is just a huge improvement of their quality of life,” she said. “I can say that with the utmost confidence. We’re talking pain relief, pain reduction, being able to sleep.”